Maddy summaryThe Strength in Diversity Act of 2026 creates a competitive grant program for school districts and state agencies to develop and implement plans that increase racial and socioeconomic diversity in public schools. To receive funding, eligible entities must submit detailed applications outlining how they will reduce isolation in schools, engage with communities, and improve academic outcomes for all students. The bill authorizes the use of funds for activities such as redrawing school boundaries, revising student assignment methods, recruiting diverse staff, and creating transportation plans to encourage attendance across different neighborhoods. Grants are awarded based on the quality of the proposed plan and its potential to meaningfully decrease segregation while maintaining high academic standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 mandates that all children enrolled in participating schools receive free breakfast and free lunch, eliminating previous income-based eligibility requirements. The bill establishes specific funding rates for these meals, adjusts them annually for inflation, and requires states to disburse funds directly to selected schools. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from collecting unpaid meal debts from parents and forbids practices like segregating students or publicly identifying those who cannot pay. The act also expands summer food programs to include all children, updates poverty measurement standards for federal data, and extends free lunch eligibility to incarcerated juveniles in eligible detention centers.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that lack explicit congressional authorization, asserting Congress's constitutional war-declaring power. The measure applies only to ongoing military engagements within or against Iran and does not restrict defensive actions against attacks on the United States or its personnel. It permits continued intelligence gathering and defensive support for partner nations attacked by Iran since late February 2026, while requiring a formal declaration of war or specific statutory authorization for any future offensive military operations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The bill calls on the public and organizations to commemorate the victims and show solidarity with their families. It also recommends that the Department of Justice commission a new study to update statistics on the crisis, noting that the previous data is over a decade old.
Maddy summaryThe Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act directs the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services to expand research, education, and clinical training focused on menopause and mid-life women’s health. It authorizes funding to create Centers of Excellence, launch public awareness campaigns, and develop training programs for health care providers to better diagnose and treat menopausal symptoms. The bill also requires the government to collect data on health disparities and report progress annually to Congress, with a specific focus on improving care for women in rural and underserved areas.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System through 2030, updating the 2009 law to replace "Council" with "Committee" (specifically the Ocean Policy Committee) throughout. It expands the system's scope to include meteorological observations and data management systems, requiring collaboration between regional observing systems and federal agencies. The bill authorizes $56 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2030, mandating at least 7.5% of funds support existing regional coastal observing systems. It directly affects federal agencies, regional observing networks, and coastal states by updating governance and funding mechanisms for ocean and weather data collection.
Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act This bill imposes certain new requirements on infant formula manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the discovery of contaminated, adulterated, or misbranded infant formula. Specifically, the bill requires infant formula manufacturers to report to the FDA within one business day of learning that formula that was processed by the manufacturer but that is no longer within the manufacturer’s control may not provide required nutrients or may be otherwise adulterated or misbranded. Further, if any testing of finished infant formula reveals the presence of specified microorganisms (e.g., salmonella), the manufacturer must notify the FDA within one business day. (Under current law, manufacturers are only required to report contamination to the FDA if the affected formula has left the manufacturer’s control.) The manufacturer must also promptly provide the test results to the FDA and consult with the FDA on proper isolation and disposal of the affected product. The FDA must respond to such a notification and begin discussing proper investigative and corrective action with the manufacturer within one business day. Within 90 days of a report of adulterated, misbranded, or contaminated infant formula, the FDA must determine whether the manufacturer that reported the problem has performed, or is performing, appropriate investigative and corrective action. Finally, the FDA is required to periodically report on the infant formula supply chain and efforts to improve the safety and supply of infant formula, and must consult with other federal agencies and infant formula stakeholders on these issues.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor the contributions of these communities to United States history. The document highlights the diversity of the population, cites historical milestones such as the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the passage of immigration laws, and acknowledges specific achievements of individuals like Daniel K. Inouye and Patsy Mink. It also notes the ongoing challenges faced by these groups, including a rise in hate crimes, while celebrating their growing presence in government and society. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic statement of appreciation rather than establishing new legal requirements or funding.
Maddy summaryThe Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 establishes a new program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to improve communication and collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and private agencies regarding diseases that spread between animals and humans. This legislation creates five specific coordinator positions, including one national role, one tribal role, and four regional roles, who are appointed by various wildlife associations to facilitate information sharing and resource access. These coordinators will work to develop shared disease management strategies, assist states and tribes in securing funding, and submit reports to Congress on how to better prevent and respond to emerging health threats. The bill authorizes $900,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2027 to support these efforts and aims to strengthen the nation's ability to handle outbreaks that impact public health, agriculture, and wildlife populations.